The Division of Fish and Wildlife begins its spring trout stocking program at lakes and ponds across the state this week, and will continue through the beginning of April. Anglers will have the chance to get out on the water at some of the area's most popular hot spots and welcome in the coming spring season by landing a fresh trout dinner.

In all, more than 180,000 hatchery raised trout will be released into nearly 200 rivers, lakes, and ponds statewide before the official start of trout season on April 6. As an added bonus this season, 9 lakes and ponds across the state will be receiving between 30 and 50 large "breeder" trout measuring between 17 and 24 inches at release. Locally, anglers will have the opportunity to snag fish worthy of a story or two at Grenloch lake in Gloucester county.

The average trout measures around 10.5 inches and weighs in at about a half pound when released. According to the NJDEP, the average trout stocked in state waters is larger than the average fish in neighboring states. In addition, the "breeder" stock can weigh as much as 5 pounds, and prove quite the challenge for even experienced anglers using standard trout fishing gear.

And while trout typically favor colder waters, trout fishing remains viable throughout the peak of the summer even as temperatures soar.

In the tri-county area there are a dozen stocking locations. In Cumberland County trout will be stocked in the Cohansey River and Mary Elmer Lake in Bridgeton, Giampetro Park Lake and South Vineland Park Pond in Vineland, and Shaws Mill pond on the verge of Downe Township and Cedarville.

In Gloucester County trout will be stocked in Greenwich Lake, Grenloch lake, Iona Lake, Swedesboro Lake and Westville Lake.

In Salem anglers can make for Schadlers Sand Wash Pond and Harrisonville Lake.

Fish will also be released into the Maurice River.

Anglers should note that most trout stocked waters are closed for fishing during the three weeks leading up to opening day (March 18 - April 6). Anglers are also required to be aware of all regulations pertaining to state fisheries as well as individual water bodies.

Generally, trout must be 9 inches long to qualify as "keepers" and the daily bag limit in most waterways is 6. On June 1 the daily creel limit for trout in most waters will drop from 6 to 4.

Stocking will also take place intermittently during the season, and the state's major streams are closed between the hours of 5 p.m and 5 a.m.

Also, anglers should keep their eyes out for one of 1,000 "hook a winner" fish that are released every spring with a tag attached. Anyone who catches such a fish should mail their name, address, fish tag number and location of catch to: Hook a Winner Program, Pequest Trout Hatchery, 605 Pequest Road, Oxford, NJ 0786.

A fishing license and a trout stamp are required for all anglers over the age of 16.

For more information about trout stocking schedules, water body locations, and regulations, visit www.state.nj.us/dep, or pick up a free guide at any sporting goods retail location.